The Stroller: 'Better team'

Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, November 26, 2012 at 6:50 p.m.

“Well,” says Scott Cheek of Spartanburg after watching the University of South Carolina Gamecock football team defeat the Clemson Tigers last Saturday, “I'm swallowing my pride once again. Congratulations to the Gamecocks for their fourth consecutive win over my Clemson Tigers. It was an exceptional game by the backup quarterback, Dylan Thompson. A local boy from Boiling Springs did a great job. It pains me to say this, but you guys had the better team.”

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‘IMPRESSED': The newspaper wasn't at John Albree's door at Tryon Estates in Columbus, N.C., at the usual time Sunday morning. It wasn't a good way to start the day. But all was well after a phone call and searching for answers online. “Normally our delivery man, Chris Price, drops our Herald-Journal paper at the door at 5:30 a.m., and when it wasn't there, I called the executive editor, Michael Smith, to ascertain when we might expect the paper. Then I went on the website, GoUpstate.com, and there was the answer,” says Mr. Albree. “Less then 10 minutes later, Mr. Smith called me at my home, and we had a delightful conversation with a full explanation about a major printer breakdown. I am very impressed and grateful for his personal call. Thank you for such caring professionalism. And the newspaper arrived around 10 a.m., just as we were walking out the door to go to church.”

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RUDE PARROT: A guy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every other word the parrot spoke was an obscenity. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude and offensive. The guy tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music and doing anything he could think of to improve the situation. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird, and the bird yelled back. He shocked the bird, and the bird just got more angry and more rude. Finally, in a moment of desperation, he put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream, and then, suddenly, there was quiet. He was afraid he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said, “I believe I offended you with my rude language and actions. I'll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness.” The guy was astonished at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what had brought about such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, “May I ask what the chicken did to you?”

“The Veterans Book” compiled in conjunction with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Marker at Oak Grove Baptist Church has sold out, but requests for another order are being accepted. The book contains information about the 117 veterans buried at Oak Grove and also contains information about the Oak Grove veterans buried in other cemeteries and also the living Oak Grove veterans. The cost of the book is $15, and orders can be placed through Thursday by calling Helen Cartee at 574-3056.

<p>“Well,” says Scott Cheek of Spartanburg after watching the University of South Carolina Gamecock football team defeat the Clemson Tigers last Saturday, “I'm swallowing my pride once again. Congratulations to the Gamecocks for their fourth consecutive win over my Clemson Tigers. It was an exceptional game by the backup quarterback, Dylan Thompson. A local boy from Boiling Springs did a great job. It pains me to say this, but you guys had the better team.”</p><p>-</p><p><b>'IMPRESSED': </b>The newspaper wasn't at John Albree's door at Tryon Estates in Columbus, N.C., at the usual time Sunday morning. It wasn't a good way to start the day. But all was well after a phone call and searching for answers online. “Normally our delivery man, Chris Price, drops our Herald-Journal paper at the door at 5:30 a.m., and when it wasn't there, I called the executive editor, Michael Smith, to ascertain when we might expect the paper. Then I went on the website, GoUpstate.com, and there was the answer,” says Mr. Albree. “Less then 10 minutes later, Mr. Smith called me at my home, and we had a delightful conversation with a full explanation about a major printer breakdown. I am very impressed and grateful for his personal call. Thank you for such caring professionalism. And the newspaper arrived around 10 a.m., just as we were walking out the door to go to church.”</p><p>-</p><p><b>RUDE PARROT: </b>A guy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every other word the parrot spoke was an obscenity. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude and offensive. The guy tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music and doing anything he could think of to improve the situation. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird, and the bird yelled back. He shocked the bird, and the bird just got more angry and more rude. Finally, in a moment of desperation, he put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream, and then, suddenly, there was quiet. He was afraid he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said, “I believe I offended you with my rude language and actions. I'll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness.” The guy was astonished at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what had brought about such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, “May I ask what the chicken did to you?”</p><p>-</p><p><b>ODDS AND ENDS: </b>Yates Jackson of Landrum celebrated his 101st birthday Monday. Stroller readers surprised him with cards last year. Let's do it again. His address is Camp Care, 59 Blackstock Road, Inman, 29349. </p><p>“The Veterans Book” compiled in conjunction with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Marker at Oak Grove Baptist Church has sold out, but requests for another order are being accepted. The book contains information about the 117 veterans buried at Oak Grove and also contains information about the Oak Grove veterans buried in other cemeteries and also the living Oak Grove veterans. The cost of the book is $15, and orders can be placed through Thursday by calling Helen Cartee at 574-3056.</p>